Gold mining has been increasing in Brazil and worldwide since 2000, causing negative effects on the environment and surrounding communities due to deforestation of open mines and the degradation of soil and rivers. This activity is historically important in the northern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, Southern Amazon, but integrated studies are lacking. The current research sought to map areas of active alluvial gold mining in this region from 2009 to 2019, relating it to fluctuations in the national gold market as a tool for inspection, prevention and mitigation of related environmental damage. The study was carried out by remote sensing with LANDSAT and IRS satellite images in six stages, ranging from the survey of gold mines found in loco to the analysis of the relationship between the evolution of exploited areas and the price of gold. Eight mining zones were identified. The exploited areas were dimensioned by year and mining zone, indicating an overall 195% growth. This growth was not homogeneous among the mining zones. The true price per gram of gold increased by 56.62% during the study period. Mining fronts have approached and/or encroached on conservation units and indigenous lands. The relationship between price variation and the area exploited was significant and positive in the eight zones (alpha=0.05). This was the first detailed mapping of gold mines at the regional level in eleven years to support effective public policies in overcoming persistent socio-environmental conflicts related to the activity.
